The 2026 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference semifinals opened with a bang on Wednesday at the Filoil Centre, as both Savouge and AEP-Cabstars secured dramatic victories to start their round-robin campaigns.
Savouge finally broke through against the previously unbeaten King Crunchers, ending a nine-game losing streak with a five-set triumph, 25-22, 19-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-13.
The win snapped Criss Cross’s 14-game winning streak dating back to last year’s Invitational Conference and handed the Rebisco-backed squad its first loss of the tournament.
“Very emotional siya for me kasi finally, after how many seasons na almost there kami lagi, finally eto na. Na-break na namin ‘yung sumpa kumbaga,” said Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon. “Sabi ko sa kanila, forget about the eliminations kasi kapag nasa semifinals na, nandoon na ‘yung totoong laban and we’re only given one chance sa semifinals na makalaban kami sa kanila, so bigay na lahat.”
Vince Imperial orchestrated Savouge’s attack with poise, distributing to Shawie Caritativo, Hero Austria, Mark Calado, JP Bugaoan, and Giles Torres as the two teams traded points in a tense fifth set.
Calado rose to the occasion with a clutch cross-court strike off Adrian Villados’ block, securing the win.
Calado led Savouge with 14 points, while Torres added 13. Caritativo and Louie Ramirez contributed 12 points apiece, and Bugaoan tallied six of the team’s 14 kill blocks to finish with 11 points. Defensive efforts came from Rikko Marmeto, who had 32 excellent receptions and seven digs, while Joeven Dela Vega added 10 points.
King Crunchers’ Jude Garcia exploded for 29 points, supported by Alche Gupiteo’s 18 and Noel Kampton’s 16, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the setback.
Adrian Villados distributed 30 excellent sets, while middle blockers Poy Colinares and Lloyd Josafat each scored 10 points.
Savouge will next face AEP-Cabstars on Friday at 3 p.m., while Criss Cross meets Alpha Insurance at 5 p.m.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Earlier, AEP-Cabstars rebounded from an early 22-25 setback to outlast Alpha Insurance in four sets, 22-25, 25-19, 25-16, 29-27, in a match that showcased their composure in clutch moments.
After taking control in sets two and three, the Cabstars leaned on Jared Schnake, Jay Rack De La Noche, and newcomer Dave Lardizabal to survive a tense fourth set.
“Sobrang saya na na-contribute ko po yung tinraining namin and sobrang saya ko po dahil winelcome nila ako kahit semis na po,” said Lardizabal, making his debut.
Head coach Kitty Antiporta credited the team’s chemistry for the victory: “Yun nga, ‘yung chemistry namin kasi naging maganda ‘yung outcome ng team building namin. Nakilala namin ‘yung isa’t isa, skillful din naman ‘yung mga players so ‘yun ‘yung pinakamalaking factor kung bakit nakuha namin ‘yung game.”
Schnake led all scorers with 23 points, complemented by 14 excellent receptions, while De La Noche and Nas Gwaza each added 14 points.
Gwaza also contributed four of the team’s 12 kill blocks. Lardizabal finished with 12 points, and EJ Casana provided 21 excellent sets.
Vince Lorenzo anchored the defense with 14 excellent digs and 21 receptions.
Alpha Insurance’s Jau Umandal scored 14 points, with Nathaniel Del Pilar and Billie Anima adding 13 and 10 points, respectively, but the Protectors fell short.
The Cabstars now set their sights on Savouge on Friday at 3 p.m., hoping to secure back-to-back wins.
The doubleheader proved that the semifinals of the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference will be a fiercely contested affair, with both Savouge and AEP-Cabstars sending a clear message to their rivals: the fight for the finals is far from over.
